Comments and Discussion
Paddling Estacada Lake is a great opportunity for new paddlers and experienced folks who may want to enjoy a leisurely trip. The route is peppered with small waterfalls, shallow riffles and deep pools. About a third of the way through the trip we pass beneath an arched bridge leading to the town of Estacada which looks better viewed from the water than the roadway. The route is cradled between steep hillsides and basalt cliffs. A few weeks ago the water was high and I was able to make it to the Faraday Power Plant but the shore was kind of rocky. We can stop for lunch and try landing on the rocky shore so bring food and drink. The options for getting out of our boats may be limited but the paddle should be fairly short, 2-3 hours. There is a $5 parking charge if you don't have a State Park pass.
Meeting Time: 9:30 AM Launch Time: 10:30 AM Type of activity: Paddle Trip Put in: Estacada Lake Boat Ramp- Milo McIver State Park Take out: Same Route Alternative for bad weather: NA Required equipment: Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit Primary Organizer: Michael Kipley Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Freshman Has organizer paddled here before? Yes Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No First Aid /CPR Person: Bob Freshman Maximum number of paddlers: 12 Estimated Air Temperature: 40's Estimated Water Temperature: 40's Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 2-3 Hours Tide times & heights: NA Current information: NA Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph) Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps Landing types: Level 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5' Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot) Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing Paddling Environment: Overall rating: Level 1 Location (Optional):Estacada Lake Boat Ramp 7MX2+35 Estacada, Oregon